Frequently Asked Questions

Many people ask at what age training should begin. My answer: from the moment you come into possession of your puppy. Practically speaking, it may take a few weeks to get formal obedience training into place, but temperament training can start from the very beginning. While obedience training addresses what you want your dog to do (like sit and down), temperament training addresses many of the things you don't want your dog to do (like biting, jumping and barking). It reinforces good habits, like waiting patiently for his food until you give him permission to eat, and cements your authority with the dog, teaching him to learn from you. Also, in the first few weeks you tackle important issues like housebreaking. Knowing how to shape your dog’s behaviour from the beginning can help avoid many bad habits. Consider our pre-puppy course if you haven't received your puppy yet.

Yes, but not exclusively. When treats and praise work, they are the preferred training tool. But what do you do when they don't work? I use aversive methods liberally. Aversive methods are training techniques that attach correction to unwanted behaviour with the intention of influencing the dog to avoid that behaviour in the future. They are used in conjunction with positive reinforcement that influences the dog to repeat desired behaviours. No doubt some people take the concept of aversive training too far, justifying cruelty for the sake of obedience. But it isn't necessary to throw the baby out with the bathwater. Aversive methods can be used in a way that isn't cruel; saying no in a low tone, a leash correction or a shake can. I believe dogs that are under control lead happier lives than those that don't have manners. The obedient dog will go places and do things that the out-of-control dog never will, because he has been left at home due to his annoying (if not dangerous) behaviour. Dogs are pack animals; the cruelest thing you can do to them is separate them from their pack.

That depends on what you want to get from the experience. If a dog is a persistent puller, a harness will lessen the impact on the leash handler, as well as avoid damage to the dog's throat that constant pulling can cause. But a harness has no ability to correct pulling. If you want your dog to learn to walk on a loose leash you will need a combination of the right equipment and the right techniques. Loose leash walking is definitely possible, but it takes knowledge and practice to get there.